The Visitor Center's fossil exhibit is said to be one of the best displays of Green River Formation fossils in the world. A full-color mural depicts what life may have been like in Fossil Lake 50 million years ago. Two videos help to explain the geological and paleontological history of the Fossil Lake Basin as well as the quarrying and preparation processes.

For more information about educational programs and opportunities at Fossil Butte, contact Marcia Fagnant.

A group of youngsters enjoy a fall hike

School Group or Organization Visitation

School groups are always welcome at Fossil Butte National Monument. We appreciate a month's notice to avoid schedule conflicts, particularly during May and September.

Programs are designed to fit the length of visit, age of participants, availability of staff to help with the groups, and specific requests made by teachers.

Special activity sheets are designed for most grade levels. The completion of these sheets requires that the students carefully study all of the fossil exhibits.

Hands-on participation in the preparation of a fossil is a special part of all programs.

---

Kits include diverse content

Fossil Butte National Monument has designed a fossil education curriculum guide and kit to aid teachers in presenting the concepts of time, past life, and fossils. The kit is intended for students in the second and third grades and is available for loan.

Junior Ranger/Senior Ranger Program

To become a Junior or Senior Ranger, one need only have a desire to learn and a sense of wonder. By talking with a ranger, hiking a trail, touring the exhibits, and helping to prepare a fossil, children earn a Junior Ranger badge, adults a Fossil Butte patch, and their name is entered in our permanent register.

Booklets are available at the visitor center. The program is intended for children ages 5 to 15 and adults ages 16 and up.

Volunteers are useful everywhere

Many opportunities await volunteers at Fossil Butte National Monument. Depending on funds available, we try to provide free housing and assist with local travel costs.

Opportunities include, but are not limited to:

• Working an information desk answering visitor questions
• Give guided hikes and porch programs on area geology and paleontology
• Demonstrate fossil preparation techniques
• Give environmental education programs to children in spring and fall
• Paleontological internships
• Fix fences, maintain trails
• Assist resource managers remove exotic weeds, make wildlife counts, and other projects

For more information, check out:

• Geologists in the Parks
• Student Conservation Association
• National Park Service Volunteers

Interns learn on the job

Paleontological internships are available at the Monument. For more information, you can contact Arvid Aase or Marcia Fagnant.

See the links under the Volunteers section above for other contacts.